Animal Health Foundation Blog

Archive for the ‘Pet Food Recalls’ Category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-6-2018
Raw Basics, LLC.
10000 80th Ave
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
800-219-3650
Raw Basics, LLC. RECALLS Tucker’s 5lb Pork-Bison Box BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE SALMONELLA HEALTH RISK
Raw Basics, LLC. of Pleasant Prairie, WI is recalling 540lb of 5lb Pork-Bison Boxes because it has the potential
to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to
humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands
after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following
symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.
Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis,
muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having
contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets
can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has
these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
This recall is being issued after our firm was notified by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture of the
positive Salmonella finding. Product affected was isolated to 1 lot of 540 lbs (108 boxes) and distributed to
distributors in Minnesota, Georgia, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. These products were sold at pet specialty retail
stores. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Product is packaged in 5lb Frozen Boxes labeled Tucker’s Pork-Bison-Formula.
Raw Basics tests all batches of products for all pathogens in a hold and release program before releasing
for shipping.
Consumers who have purchased Tucker’s 5lb Pork-Bison Boxes are urged to return it to the place of purchase
for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-219-3650.

February 19, 2018 — The FDA has announced that Smokehouse Pet Products, Inc. of Sun Valley, CA is recalling all sizes and package types of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

About the Recall

“Beefy Munchies” was distributed nationwide through distributors selling to various retailers.

All sizes and packaging types will include a UPC code, lot number, and a best used by date of stamped on the back.

The current recall is expanded to include all “Beefy Munchies”.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

What Caused the Recall

The potential for contamination was noted after routine sampling and testing by the Colorado Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in two 4-oz packages of “Beefy Munchies”.

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

February 15, 2018 — J.M. Smucker Company has initiated a voluntary withdrawal of various wet dog food products due to the potential to contain low levels of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug.

What Products Are Affected?

Affected products include canned wet dog food versions of the following brands:

Gravy Train

Kibbles ‘N Bits

Ol’ Roy

Skippy

The following table is reproduced from an email sent by Walmart to its affected customers.

Message from the Company

The following text is taken from an email received from Smucker by The Dog Advisor on February 15, 2018:

Out of an abundance of caution we initiated a voluntary withdrawal (not a recall) on specific shipments of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy, and Skippy canned/wet dog food because they do not meet our quality specifications.

This means retailers will remove the impacted shipments from their warehouses.

Veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, as well as the FDA, have confirmed that extremely low levels of pentobarbital, like the levels reported to be in select shipments, do not pose a threat to pet safety.

However, the presence of this substance at any level is not acceptable to us and not up to our quality standards. We sincerely apologize for the concern this has caused.

Although veterinarians and animal nutrition specialists, as well as the FDA, have confirmed that extremely low levels of pentobarbital do not pose a threat to pet safety, we understand pet owners may have concerns.

Photos Supplied by the Company

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

February 10, 2018 — Redbarn Pet Products, LLC of Long Beach, CA is voluntarily recalling its Redbarn Naturals 7-inch Bully Stick Dog Chews 3-pack because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

About Salmonella

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain.

Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

What’s Recalled?

The recalled products were distributed in pet specialty retail stores.

Affected product comes in a 2.4 ounce, green plastic bag marked with an expiration date of 112120ABC stamped on the side.

The product UPC is #7 85184 25105 8.

No illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported.

What Caused the Recall?

According to company President, Jeff Sutherland:

“On 2/5/2018, we were notified by the Colorado Department of Agriculture that a single sample collected from a retail location detected Salmonella.

“At Redbarn, we test every product lot before it leaves our manufacturing plant. This lot code, expiry date 112120ABC, was tested both at our Redbarn lab and by a third-party testing facility. Those tests were negative for Salmonella or pathogens.

“Despite not being able to replicate these test results or receiving any negative reports from customers regarding these chews, we feel the best course of action is to recall this lot code of the product and keep our customers safe”.

“In issuing this voluntary recall in conjunction with the FDA, we are standing by our core values of quality and integrity.

“At Redbarn, we do the right thing for our customers.

“That means that we hold ourselves to the highest safety and quality assurance standards and take all precautions to prevent situations like a recall from happening.

“Family-owned Redbarn takes the safety of our product, pets, and customers as a number one concern.

“Redbarn employs an extensive Quality Assurance team that run over 400 safety tests on their products every week.

“Products like the 7-inch bully sticks are tested multiple times, for bacteria like Salmonella, coliforms and enteros.

“A product is declared safe to ship only after it tests negatively for these bacteria and other pathogens.”

What to Do?

Consumers are encouraged to check the lot code to see if their product was affected.

Pet owners who are in possession of the affected dog chews are urged to discontinue use of the product immediately.

Consumers who purchased 7-inch Bully Stick multipacks with the affected lot code are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company via email at info@redbarninc.com or by phone at 800-775-3849, Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 5 pm-5 pm PT.

Honesty. Transparency. Pet advocacy. These are three of the Core Values that make JustFoodForDogs who and what we are. Most days, living up to these standards is pretty easy. We use only the best ingredients; we open our kitchens to the public; we treat every dog as if he were one of our own; and we regard every pet parent as family.

Today is more challenging than that. Today, sadly, I announce the only recall in the history of our company. And, in keeping with our core values, we will be providing the maximum (as opposed to the minimum) amount of information and guidance on this matter.

As of yesterday afternoon, we have confirmed that one batch of our Turducken special (made in our West Hollywood kitchen and code dated WH 11/18/18) tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. We found it because one of our diligent customers reported that the food had made her dogs sick for a day with diarrhea and vomiting. (The dogs affected have made a full recovery after switching their food to one of our daily diets; they did not receive veterinary care). To be clear, this was the only case of illness reported, and severe illness in dogs by Listeria is rare. When we get reports from customers or veterinarians about potential food-caused illness in pets, we always take them seriously and follow up with the appropriate action, including lab testing. In almost eight years, we have never, not once, had a sample come back positive for pathogens. This one was different and we wanted to immediately let all of our Turducken customers know about it. It should also be noted that this form of Listeria can be harmful to humans if consumed.

If you are in possession of Turducken from West Hollywood with the above date, please email or call us at support@justfoodfordogs.com or 1-866-726-9509 and we will provide an immediate refund. While we have no reason to be concerned that other batches of Turducken were affected, we completely understand if you have this product and would like to return or exchange it for any reason.

Today we are notifying all Turducken customers who may have been affected and we are simultaneously conducting a series of additional tests to better understand the situation – the results of which we will share with all of our customers in less than 72 hrs from now.

As I sit here writing this memo with our executive team, it dawns on me that every recipient of this letter and all of us in this room have one very important commonality – we love our dogs and would always do what is best for them. Please know that, starting with my own Albert and Evelyne, we all continue to feed JustFoodForDogs with confidence. If you have any questions or concerns that have not been answered here please do not hesitate to email us at support@justfoodfordogs.com or 1-866-726-9509. If you prefer, you can reach me on my personal cell phone at (949) 378-2927. Or, if you would like to talk to our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed, MRCVS , he can be reached on his personal cell at (714) 206-8751. Alternatively, if you would like to speak with our CEO, Carey Tischler, he can be reached on his personal cell at (847) 942-2692.

We sincerely apologize for any concern or burden this may have caused you. Despite this unfortunate incident, we want to assure you that everyone at JustFoodForDogs is, as always, 100% committed to helping pets Iive longer, healthier lives.

Shawn BuckleyFounder, JustFoodForDogs

And follow up message from Just Food for Dogs…

This week has been more challenging. A few days ago, a diligent customer reported that our Turducken special made her dogs sick with vomiting and diarrhea. The dogs made a full recovery after a day, once switching their food to one of our daily diets; they did not receive veterinary care. Less than 72 hours ago, after the returned food confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes, we informed our Turducken customers about the only recall in the history of our company. Since then we have worked tirelessly to conduct extensive testing and a thorough investigation to establish the root cause of this issue. We promised an update.

This is that update.

It is genuinely heartbreaking to report that we have just received preliminary test results that suggest our human grade green bean supply was sent to us contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Healthy dogs may experience no signs but some, including elderly or weakened dogs, may experience vomiting and/or diarrhea. Severe disease from Listeria in dogs is rare. Listeria monocytogenes is more concerning in humans, if consumed. The health of your dogs is always our primary concern. For this reason, and based on the preliminary results, we are proactively and voluntarily taking the following actions:

If you have fed these recipes and your dog is not currently experiencing any problems, do not worry. If you have any of the food listed above, please dispose of it and do not feed it to your dog. We will provide an immediate and unconditional credit to your account for all purchases made of these recipes between November 1st, 2017 and January 14th, 2018, upon request.

To make it easiest on you and to avoid waiting on hold, simply email us at support@justfoodfordogs.com with the first and last name on your account. We will process your credit and reply with the confirmed amount within 72 hours.

We know that many dogs rely on and love these recipes. Therefore, we are immediately preparing Beef & Russet Potato and Fish & Sweet Potato recipes without green beans. We expect to have these available by Wednesday at all locations. Our veterinarians ensure us that this is an appropriate temporary solution. In the meantime, we have plenty of recipes available that are made without green beans, including:

These recipes are not covered by the recall and may continue to be fed to your dogs.

I am deeply sorry for this outcome. I spoke to one of our wonderful customers on Friday and she told me something that stuck with me – “we don’t expect JustFoodForDogs to be perfect Shawn, just perfectly honest.” Good or bad, you have our word that we will always be entirely transparent with our customers.

We founded JustFoodForDogs to increase the length and quality of life for as many pets as possible. While this issue may not be our fault, the safety and efficacy of every meal is our responsibility. As we work with our restaurant supplier, we will be implementing greater controls to prevent this from happening in the future. If you would like to speak to any member of our executive team, please feel free to reach us directly on our emails or personal cell phones (listed below).

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products of Tukwila, Washington, has notified its customers that it is recalling 2 lots of its Natural Selections raw dog food products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.

Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling two of its frozen pet food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Animals and people can get sick; animals from eating the product, and people from handling the product or petting sick animals. Two complaints have been associated with these products; one complaint of two kittens getting sick and one complaint of a puppy dying.

Testing by the FDA of one of the chubs revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The press release states, “There is no direct evidence linking these unfortunate instances to contaminated product.”

The recalled products are sold in 2 pound chubs. The first is Beef for dogs, with lot number mfd ga8516 and UPC number 8542980011009. The second is Kitten grind with lot number mfd ga81216 and UPC number 854298001016. The products were distributed to retail stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and Texas.

If you purchased these products, do not feed them to your pet. Throw them away in a sealed container or take them back to the state of purchase for a refund. Wash your hands well after handling these products.

Then clean out your freezer or refrigerator with a mild bleach solution, since freezing does not kill Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. And that bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures.

If your animal has been ill after eating this product, take her to the veterinarian. And remember that animals who have eaten contaminated food can shed the bacteria in their feces and that can get on their coats. Wash your hands well with soap and water after coming into contact with your pet.

Then monitor yourself for the next 70 days for the symptoms of Listeria food poisoning. Those symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Also watch for Salmonella food poisoning. Those symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. If you do get sick, see your doctor.

You may be shocked to see so many products are made by large corporations who are also in the human food production business (hint: they’re using leftover scraps to make pet care products to capitalize on the waste).